If you own a home in Northern VA then you need to vigilant in your battle against certain pests. This is especially true when it comes to termites, as these bugs can do damage to your home if they are not taken care of in a timely fashion. Termites actually eat wood and a large colony of these pests can make short work of your home if you let them. The best way to keep termite populations under control is by not letting them get started in the first place. That means doing regular inspections of your home to ensure that you do not have a problem. Here are three places that every Northern VA homeowner should check for termites.
Signs You Have Termites
To keep termites from damaging your property you will need to make sure you never get them to begin with by making regular inspections of your home. You should look for signs such as:
-Hollow sounding wood, which is an indication of underlying termites
-Large groups of winged swarmers or signs of their existence such as piles of lost wings
-Cracked paint on wooden surfaces is a good indication that termites may have made their way in
-Mud tubes that line exterior walls are a good sign that termites are already present
-Wood colored droppings called frass are left behind by termites. This usually looks like a small pile of sawdust
Where to Inspect for Termites
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the most common places termites are found. Be sure to inspect these areas regularly to look for signs that you might have termites. Here is where you should look:
- The basement: Termites thrive in areas of high moisture, which is why they often find their way into the basements of homes. Basements usually contain a lot of wood for them to feed on as well, which makes for the perfect habitat for termites. Try to keep moisture levels and humidity down in your basement by using a dehumidifier. This should help keep the termites away.
- The Garage: The garage of a home is another place that often has high moisture, clutter and wood for termites to enjoy. You should avoid storing wood in your garage and try to make sure it is as sealed as possible.
- Under landscape rocks and timber: Landscaping in a yard might look great but it can also provide a habitat for termites. You should be sure to check under rocks, timber and other places where termites could thrive. If you have piles of wood or wood chips you should try to keep them away from your house.
Be Diligent
The best way to keep your home safe from termite infestation is by being diligent in your inspection. It will only take a few minutes to check some of the most common places for termites, but this will be time well spent, as you might save yourself a lot of hassle and money.
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